Silver Dollar Lake Trail

If you want to hike with your pup around a picturesque lake, the Silver Dollar Lake Trail is perfect for you! This 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is a pawpular place to go hiking in the summer, and snow-shoers also frequently use this trail in the winter. Pups are welcome to join you on this furrific trail on-leash.

Parking is available for the Silver Dollar Lake Trail right near the trailhead. Be aware that the dirt road to get to the trailhead, Naylor Lake Road, is a bit rough and bumpy, and it's best done in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. If you’re worried about your car, you can also park in the parking lot just south of the Guanella Pass Campground, which is about 0.25-miles from the trailhead.

Once you head onto the trail, you’ll walk through a stunning forest filled with aspen, fir, pine, and spruce trees. The first part of the trail slopes gradually upward, with a few steep sections, until you’re above the treeline.

After you get above the treeline, you’ll pass by Naylor Lake. Then, you’ll reach the star attraction of the hike: Silver Dollar Lake, where the trail ends. Beautiful Silver Dollar Lake is surrounded by scenic mountains, and it’s also home to a lovely waterfall. This lake is the perfect place to stop and rest or have a picnic with your pup. If you or your pup get thirsty, you can drink the water from the lake—just be sure to filter it first. Spend as much time as you’d like by this lake before heading back to the start of the trail. Be sure to bring water and clean up bags with you.

Silver Dollar Lake Trail is a short, but scenic trail that takes you through a picturesque forest and along a stunning lake.